Triplet-triplet annihilation in a poly(fluorene)-derivative

We report on measurements of phosphorescence (Ph) and delayed fluorescence (DF) in poly(2,7-(9,9-bis(2-ethylhexyl)fluorene)) (PF2/6) present as dilute solid solution, as well as in bulk films. From combined experimental investigations of the time and intensity dependence of DF and Ph, as well as the temperature dependence of DF, we are able to show that DF in PF2/6, both in solution and film, is dominated by triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA). As a consequence of the intrachain diffusion and, hence, relaxation of triplets, the kinetics of the bimolecular reaction show a turnover from dispersive to nondispersive regime as borne out by the DF decay. This is in accord with theoretical predictions of TTA in disordered solids. From the transition to equilibrium kinetics, we are able to estimate the width of the density of states of triplets to 40 meV in good agreement with the width of the inhomogeneous broadenend S-0<--T-1 transition of PF2/6. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.